Toxic benzene remained in Gulf, only small portion escaped into atmosphere: NOAA

The results of the scientific mission -- led by researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -- have been accepted for publication by the journal Geophysical Research Letters. ...

Researchers already knew the relative chemical makeup of the reservoir tapped by the Macondo well, which includes a variety of hydrocarbons such as methane, benzene and ethane.

So when the instruments on board the plane failed to measure any concentrations of methane in the atmosphere, for example, researchers could conclude that the methane must have dissolved entirely in the water column before reaching the surface.

Scientists also learned that only small portions of the benzene, a known carcinogen, and ethane in the oil mixture escaped into the atmosphere, meaning those compounds were also largely dissolved into the Gulf.

6 comments to Toxic benzene remained in Gulf, only small portion escaped into atmosphere: NOAA

ooooh and accepted..by the Geophysical Research Letters..
With wells in the GOM are about 40% methane.. it is not possible.. that methane did not escape into the atmosphere.... which it does upon contact.
Tests eventually will show high levels of benzene, and all other chems involved in the atmosphere and in the water.
NOAA lies... all to keep their crumby government jobs.
It is JUST a job..you know.. from the Prez on down...
They are willing to kill people ..to keep their jobs..